ISSUED: 26 March 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cecelia Mason
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Women for Shepherd University (WSU), sponsored by the Shepherd University Foundation, hosted a vendor expo and keynote luncheon at the Suzanne Shipley Wellness Center on March 23. The event celebrated alumnae and friends of the university and showcased the importance of women in commerce, wellness, services, and nonprofits.
The all-day vendor expo, which was the 20th marquee event for WSU, highlighted 30 local businesses and nonprofits. Vendors spanned a plethora of areas including travel planning, local art and crafts, millinery and etiquette sessions, homemade and healthy food items, insurance, photography, and nonprofits ranging from medical services for homeless children to domestic violence prevention.
“The importance of showcasing women-owned small businesses is that it supports minority groups,” said SJ Brown, owner of Resplendent Miss Write in Charles Town, West Virginia. “Events like this help us adjust to the market of what women are interested in.”
The event also featured a keynote luncheon, sponsored by Tracy Regalia of Edward Jones. Giving the keynote address to the group of 65 luncheon attendees was Judee Ann Williams, global head of impact at Creative Artist Agency Sports.
Williams, a prominent figure in the global philanthropic community, holds various appointments on boards and advisory councils across the country. Some of these include Save the Children, the Carrie Underwood C.A.T.S. Foundation, Katy Perry’s Firework Foundation, and the USO Entertainment Council.
“We need to think about what kind of community we want to live and work in to achieve that for future generations,” said Williams, who was named to Glamour Magazine’s 35 under 35 list in 2013. “Lead with authenticity. Embrace collaboration—no single hero changes the world. Build strong networks with other purpose-driven women.”
Echoing those sentiments, one of the most rewarding aspects of the event was creating a space where women could not only share their individual talents and areas of expertise, but connect with others in the community.
“There is strength in numbers,” said Lona Lozinski, owner of Mohalu Wellness in Shepherdstown. “Women coming together in an environment like this allows us to support other women doing great work and it allows us to learn from each other.”
If you are interested in learning more about Women for Shepherd University or would like to help plan future events, contact Meg Patterson, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, 304-876-5021, or visit the Shepherd University Foundation webpage.
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